Chronology - Quarter 4 1977

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Previous Home Next 1977 October 2 - 03:00 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 200A. LV Configuration: Aerobee 200A NASA 26.65IH-UH. SAO XR / Italy XR X-ray astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 198 km (123 mi). References: 2. 1977 October 4 - 02:20 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. Aeronomy/Ionosphere mission Nation: USSR. Apogee: 170 km (100 mi). References: 2. 1977 October 9 - 02:40 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Soyuz 25 Nation: USSR. Program: Salyut 6. Payload: Soyuz 7K-T s/n 42. Mass: 6,860 kg (15,120 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Soyuz 7K-T. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 194 km (120 mi). Apogee: 240 km (140 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. Period: 88.80 min. COSPAR: 1977-099A. USAF Sat Cat: 10401. Duration: 2.03 days. Decay Date: 1977-10-11. Crew: Kovalyonok, Ryumin. Flight: Soyuz 25. Manned two crew. Unsuccessful mission. Failed to dock with Salyut 6. References: 2, 6, 32, 33. 1977 October 11 - 15:14 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 958 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-6U. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 257 km (159 mi). Apogee: 351 km (218 mi). Inclination: 62.80 deg. Period: 90.60 min. COSPAR: 1977-100A. USAF Sat Cat: 10403. Duration: 13.00 days. Decay Date: 1977-10-24. Photo surveillance; returned film capsule. References: 2, 6. 1977 October 11 - Landing of Soyuz 25 Nation: USSR. Program: Salyut 6. Flight: Soyuz 25. Soyuz 25 landed at 03:24 GMT. 1977 October 12 - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. Enterprise flight 7 Nation: USA. Program: STS. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Enterprise. Crew: Engle, Truly. Fourth free flight, ALT, first tail cone off, Edwards (2 minutes, 34 seconds), Enterprise (OV-101), lake bed Runway 17 References: 15. 1977 October 13 - 21:26 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 12. LV Configuration: Skylark 12 DLR A-GRC-85. T / NL 3A Dagmar Aurora mission Nation: Germany. Agency: DFVLR. Apogee: 536 km (333 mi). References: 2. 1977 October 13 - 21:59 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 12. LV Configuration: Skylark 12 SL1423. Auroral mission Nation: UK. Agency: BAC. Apogee: 788 km (489 mi). References: 2. 1977 October 16 - 22:23 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Fulmar. LV Configuration: Fulmar F3. Wind / T Atmospheric mission Nation: UK. Agency: SRC. Apogee: 247 km (153 mi). References: 2. 1977 October 16 - 22:33 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Petrel. Model: Petrel 2. LV Configuration: Petrel 2 P207A. Sodium release Atmospheric mission Nation: UK. Agency: SRC. Apogee: 207 km (128 mi). References: 2. 1977 October 18 - Charles Kowal's Discovery of 2060 Chiron Nation: USA. 1977 October 19 - Launch Site: Natal. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Sonda. Model: Sonda 3. LV Configuration: Sonda 3 XV-04. Ionosphere mission Nation: Brazil. Agency: IAE. Apogee: 590 km (360 mi). References: 2. 1977 October 19 - 18:08 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC25C. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident C-4. LV Configuration: Trident C-4 C4X-11. Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1977 October 21 - 08:49 GMT - Launch Site: Kiruna. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 8C. LV Configuration: Black Brant 8C SSC S19B. S19 Guidance test Nation: Sweden. Agency: SSC. Apogee: 374 km (232 mi). References: 2. 1977 October 21 - 10:05 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 53716-325. Cosmos 959 Nation: USSR. Payload: DS-P1-M. Mass: 650 kg (1,430 lb). Class: Military. Type: ASAT Target. Spacecraft: DS-P1-M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 146 km (90 mi). Apogee: 850 km (520 mi). Inclination: 65.80 deg. Period: 94.60 min. COSPAR: 1977-101A. USAF Sat Cat: 10419. Decay Date: 1977-11-30. ASAT target for Cosmos 961 interceptor. References: 2, 6, 272. 1977 October 22 - 13:53 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Delta 2914. LV Configuration: Delta 2914 623/D135. ISEE 1 Nation: USA. Payload: ISEE A. Mass: 340 kg (740 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: ISEE. Agency: NASA GSF. Perigee: 436 km (270 mi). Apogee: 137,806 km (85,628 mi). Inclination: 12.70 deg. Period: 3,441.00 min. COSPAR: 1977-102A. USAF Sat Cat: 10422. Decay Date: 1987-09-26. International Sun-Earth Explorer. Spacecraft engaged in research and exploration of the upper atmosphere or outer space (US Cat B). References: 2, 6. ISEE 2 Nation: Europe. Payload: ISEE B. Mass: 166 kg (365 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: ISEE. Agency: ESA. Perigee: 406 km (252 mi). Apogee: 137,765 km (85,603 mi). Inclination: 13.50 deg. Period: 3,438.50 min. COSPAR: 1977-102B. USAF Sat Cat: 10423. Decay Date: 1987-09-26. International Sun-Earth Explorer. References: 2, 6. 1977 October 25 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC177. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: MR-UR-100. Model: MR-UR-100U 15A16. Joint flight trials launch Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1977 October 25 - 05:25 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/1. Launch Pad: LC132/1?. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 53746-309. Cosmos 960 Nation: USSR. Program: Tselina. Mass: 900 kg (1,980 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Tselina-O. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 502 km (311 mi). Apogee: 546 km (339 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 95.10 min. COSPAR: 1977-103A. USAF Sat Cat: 10430. Decay Date: 1980-10-22. Replaced Cosmos 870. Possible ELINT satellite. References: 2, 6. 1977 October 25 - 12:15 GMT - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: LC107/1. Launch Pad: LC107/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Vertikal-4. Vertikal'-6 Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,500 km (900 mi). References: 2. 1977 October 26 - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. Enterprise flight 8 Nation: USA. Program: STS. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Enterprise. Crew: Fullerton, Haise. Fifth free flight, ALT, final tail cone off, Edwards (2 minutes, 1 second), Enterprise (OV-101), concrete Runway 04 References: 15. 1977 October 26 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: UR-100N. Model: UR-100NU. Joint flight trials launch Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1977 October 26 - 05:14 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC90/19. Launch Pad: LC90/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-2. Cosmos 961 Nation: USSR. Mass: 1,400 kg (3,000 lb). Class: Military. Type: ASAT. Spacecraft: IS-A. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 269 km (167 mi). Apogee: 1,421 km (882 mi). Inclination: 66.40 deg. Period: 101.80 min. COSPAR: 1977-104A. USAF Sat Cat: 10434. Decay Date: 1977-10-26. ASAT interceptor. Succeeded in intercept of Cosmos 959. Deorbited using on-board engine. References: 2, 6, 272. 1977 October 28 - Lower forward fuselage on dock, Palmdale, Columbia Nation: USA. Program: STS. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Columbia. References: 15. 1977 October 28 - 01:37 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/3. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Molniya 8K78M. Molniya 3-08 Nation: USSR. Program: Molniya. Payload: Molniya-3 s/n 18. Mass: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: Molniya-3. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 1,840 km (1,140 mi). Apogee: 38,508 km (23,927 mi). Inclination: 63.70 deg. Period: 717.70 min. COSPAR: 1977-105A. USAF Sat Cat: 10455. Continued operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio-communication system; transmission of USSR central television programmes to stations in the Orbita network and international cooperation. References: 2, 6. 1977 October 28 - 04:52 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC5. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Scout. Model: Scout D-1. LV Configuration: Scout D-1 S200C. Transat O-11 Nation: USA. Program: Transit. Mass: 94 kg (207 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Transit. Agency: USN. Perigee: 1,059 km (658 mi). Apogee: 1,097 km (681 mi). Inclination: 89.70 deg. Period: 106.80 min. COSPAR: 1977-106A. USAF Sat Cat: 10457. Modification of first APL-built operational Transit for 'related experiments'. References: 2, 6. 1977 October 28 - 16:00 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 53768-313. Cosmos 962 Nation: USSR. Mass: 700 kg (1,540 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Tsiklon. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 962 km (597 mi). Apogee: 1,006 km (625 mi). Inclination: 83.00 deg. Period: 104.80 min. COSPAR: 1977-107A. USAF Sat Cat: 10459. Military navigation satellite. References: 2, 6. 1977 October 29 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. Aeronomy mission? Nation: USSR. Agency: AN SSSR. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi). References: 2. 1977 October 30 - Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: V-2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: MR-12. Aeronomy mission? Nation: USSR. Agency: AN SSSR. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi). References: 2. 1977 October 31 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-36M. Model: R-36MU 15A18. Joint flight trials launch Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1977 November 1 - Launch Site: Sea-launched. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: UNKPL. Launch Vehicle: R-29. Model: Volna. LV Configuration: Volna VMF. Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: VMF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1977 November 1 - Launch Site: Sea-launched. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: UNKPL. Launch Vehicle: R-29. Model: Volna. LV Configuration: Volna VMF. Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: VMF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1977 November 1 - Launch Site: Sea-launched. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: UNKPL. Launch Vehicle: R-29. Model: Volna. LV Configuration: Volna VMF. Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: VMF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1977 November 2 - 20:15 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 12. LV Configuration: Skylark 12 DLR A-GRC-87. T / NL 1B Aurora mission Nation: Germany. Agency: DFVLR. Apogee: 541 km (336 mi). References: 2. 1977 November 3 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF21. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3. LV Configuration: Minuteman 3 PVM-15. Research and development launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2. 1977 November 4 - Deliver aft fuselage on dock, Palmdale, Columbia Nation: USA. Program: STS. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Columbia. References: 15. 1977 November 7 - Start final assembly Columbia. Nation: USA. Program: STS. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Columbia. Start final assembly and closeout system installation, Palmdale, Columbia (OV-102) References: 15. 1977 November 7 - Forward RCS on dock, Palmdale (STA-099) Nation: USA. Program: STS. References: 15. 1977 November 8 - 22:30 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC29B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Polaris. Model: Polaris A3. LV Configuration: Polaris A3TK-PB. Chevaline warhead test launch Nation: USA. Agency: RN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1977 November 11 - 04:00 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: LC36. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aries. LV Configuration: Aries GL A24.609-01. TEM-1 ABM infrared sensor technology mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF GL. Apogee: 228 km (141 mi). References: 2. 1977 November 13 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF06. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Model: Minuteman 1B. ABRES TDV-3 re-entry vehicle test flight Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2. 1977 November 13 - 08:55 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Sergeant. Model: Sounding Rocket. LV Configuration: Sergeant DNA IC730.09-1. FWIF I Aeronomy / aurora / solar mission Nation: USA. Agency: DNA. Apogee: 141 km (87 mi). References: 2. 1977 November 14 - Kamanin still keeping his diary. Nation: USSR. Kamanin looks back at celebrations for the 60th Anniversary of the October Revolution. He notes that Soyuz 25 failed to dock. References: 376. 1977 November 15 - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. First ferry flight test, Edwards Nation: USA. Program: STS. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Enterprise. First ferry flight test, Edwards (3 hours, 21 minutes), Enterprise (OV-101) References: 15. 1977 November 15 - 10:33 GMT - Launch Site: Poker Flat. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Honest John. Model: HJ Hydac. LV Configuration: HJ Hydac ARPA WS710.51-1. WIDEBAND Ionosphere mission Nation: USA. Agency: ARPA. Apogee: 170 km (100 mi). References: 2. 1977 November 16 - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. Second ferry flight test, Edwards Nation: USA. Program: STS. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Enterprise. Second ferry flight test, Edwards (4 hours, 17 minutes), Enterprise (OV-101) References: 15. 1977 November 17 - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. Third ferry flight test, Edwards Nation: USA. Program: STS. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Enterprise. Third ferry flight test, Edwards (4 hours, 13 minutes), Enterprise (OV-101) References: 15. 1977 November 17 - Launch Site: Biscarosse. Launch Complex: BLB. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: SSBS. Model: SSBS S3. LV Configuration: SSBS S3 V4. Test mission Nation: France. Agency: DMA. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1977 November 17 - 21:32 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 12. LV Configuration: Skylark 12 SL1421. Auroral mission Nation: UK. Agency: BAC. Apogee: 718 km (446 mi). References: 2. 1977 November 17 - 21:34 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Fulmar. LV Configuration: Fulmar F1. Electrons / Ions Ionosphere mission Nation: UK. Agency: SRC. Apogee: 261 km (162 mi). References: 2. 1977 November 18 - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. Fourth ferry flight test, Edwards Nation: USA. Program: STS. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Enterprise. Fourth ferry flight test, Edwards (3 hours, 37 minutes), Enterprise (OV-101) References: 15. 1977 November 21 - Launch Vehicle: Energia. Buran development plan approved Nation: USSR. Program: Buran. Spacecraft: Buran. The government decree 1006-323 set out the development plan. The flight test plan was for first launch of the booster in 1983, with the payload being an unmanned OK-ML-1 mock-up of the orbiter. This would not have a heat shield and remain attached to the booster. A second mock-up, OK-ML-2, would be used on the second launch, but be separated from the vehicle after burnout. However it would also be without heat shield, and be expended. The first flight Buran was to fly unpiloted in 1984. Manned flights were to be routine by the 1987 seventieth anniversary of the Soviet Union. 1977 November 23 - 01:35 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17A. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Delta 2914. LV Configuration: Delta 2914 620/D136. Meteosat 1 Nation: Europe. Mass: 697 kg (1,536 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: Meteosat. Agency: ESA. Perigee: 35,777 km (22,230 mi). Apogee: 35,854 km (22,278 mi). Inclination: 11.90 deg. Period: 1,437.60 min. COSPAR: 1977-108A. USAF Sat Cat: 10489. Completed Operations Date: 1985-06-01. European Space Agency satellite. Launch time 0135 GMT. Reached definitive position, 0 deg longitude over the Gulf of Guinea, on 7 December. Launched by United States Delta rocket. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit over the Atlantic Ocean at E-4 deg W in 1977-1981; 8E-12 deg E in 1981-1984; 2E-6 deg E in 1984-1985 As of 29 August 2001 located at 51.23 deg E drifting at 0.354 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 3 located at 11.52E drifting at 0.055W degrees per day. References: 2, 6. 1977 November 24 - 14:30 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 53746-302. Cosmos 963 Nation: USSR. Mass: 650 kg (1,430 lb). Spacecraft: Sfera. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 1,179 km (732 mi). Apogee: 1,206 km (749 mi). Inclination: 82.90 deg. Period: 109.30 min. COSPAR: 1977-109A. USAF Sat Cat: 10491. Investigation of the upper atmosphere and outer space. References: 2, 6. 1977 November 27 - Launch Vehicle: Spiral 50-50. MiG 105-11 first air-drop Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: MiG 105-11. The first air-drop launch from a Tu-95K (used previously for Kh-20 air to surface missile tests) was made from an altitude of 5,000 m, with landing on skids on a beaten earth air strip. 1977 November 29 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 53721-265. FAILURE: Failure. Kosmos launch failure Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. References: 2. 1977 November 29 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC109. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-36M. Missile accuracy test launch Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1977 November 30 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF07. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 2. FOT GT135M Follow-on Test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2. 1977 December 1 - Launch Vehicle: N1. Glushko uninterested in further lunar base work Nation: USSR. Spacecraft: Buran, LZhM, LZM, Lunokhod LEK, LEK. Bushuyev tells Chertok that the lunar base work did not interest Glushko. The VPK Military-Industrial Commission was only interested in duplicating the American shuttle, not in any other ventures in space. With the N1-Sr booster, Russia could have had a six man lunar base established with 8 to 10 launches in the late 1970's. Bushuyev died on 26 October 1978, having seen his dream completely tossed away. References: 367. 1977 December 1 - Launch Site: Sea-launched. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: UNKPL. Launch Vehicle: R-29. Model: Volna. LV Configuration: Volna VMF. Test mission Nation: USSR. Agency: VMF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1977 December 1 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: UR-100N. Model: UR-100NU. Joint flight trials launch Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1977 December 2 - Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Honest John. Model: Taurus Orion. LV Configuration: Taurus Orion NASA 12.1002WT. Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 247 km (153 mi). References: 2. 1977 December 4 - 12:00 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 964 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-4MKM. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 171 km (106 mi). Apogee: 362 km (224 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 89.90 min. COSPAR: 1977-110A. USAF Sat Cat: 10498. Duration: 13.00 days. Decay Date: 1977-12-17. High resolution photo reconnaissance satellite; returned film capsule; maneuverable. References: 2, 6. 1977 December 5 - 02:08 GMT - Launch Site: Andoya. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Fulmar. LV Configuration: Fulmar F4. HLC 2B Auroral mission Nation: UK. Agency: SRC. Apogee: 255 km (158 mi). References: 2. 1977 December 5 - 14:08 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC25C. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Trident. Model: Trident C-4. LV Configuration: Trident C-4 C4X-12. Test mission Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1977 December 6 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: LF09. Launch Pad: LF09?. Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 3. OT GT36GM operational test launch Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). References: 2. 1977 December 6 - 00:05 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Parry. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Black Brant. Model: Black Brant 8B. LV Configuration: Black Brant 8B AAF-NVB-03. Dayside Cusp Ionosphere mission Nation: Canada. Agency: NRCC. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). References: 2. 1977 December 8 - 11:00 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 65068-308. Cosmos 965 Nation: USSR. Mass: 550 kg (1,210 lb). Class: Calibration. Spacecraft: Taifun-2. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 465 km (288 mi). Apogee: 516 km (320 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 94.40 min. COSPAR: 1977-111A. USAF Sat Cat: 10501. Decay Date: 1979-12-16. Released 24 Romb radar calibration subsatellites. References: 2, 6. 1977 December 8 - 17:45 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC3W. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: Atlas F/MSD. LV Configuration: Atlas F/MSD 50F. NOSS 2 Nation: USA. Payload: PARCAE 2. Class: Sigint. Type: Naval reconnaisance. Spacecraft: NOSS. Agency: USN. Perigee: 1,054 km (654 mi). Apogee: 1,169 km (726 mi). Inclination: 63.40 deg. Period: 107.50 min. COSPAR: 1977-112A. USAF Sat Cat: 10502. Ocean surveillance; aka White Cloud type spacecraft; Navy Ocean Surveillance Satellite; PARCAE. References: 2, 6, 172, 278. SS 1 Nation: USA. Payload: SSU. Class: Sigint. Type: Naval reconnaisance. Spacecraft: NOSS-Subsat. Agency: USN. Perigee: 1,054 km (654 mi). Apogee: 1,169 km (726 mi). Inclination: 63.40 deg. Period: 107.50 min. COSPAR: 1977-112D. USAF Sat Cat: 10529. Deployed from NOSS 2. References: 2, 6, 278. SS 2 Nation: USA. Payload: SSU. Class: Sigint. Type: Naval reconnaisance. Spacecraft: NOSS-Subsat. Agency: USN. Perigee: 1,055 km (655 mi). Apogee: 1,168 km (725 mi). Inclination: 63.40 deg. Period: 107.50 min. COSPAR: 1977-112E. USAF Sat Cat: 10544. Deployed from NOSS 2. References: 2, 6, 278. SS 3 Nation: USA. Payload: SSU. Class: Sigint. Type: Naval reconnaisance. Spacecraft: NOSS-Subsat. Agency: USN. Perigee: 1,055 km (655 mi). Apogee: 1,168 km (725 mi). Inclination: 63.40 deg. Period: 107.50 min. COSPAR: 1977-112F. USAF Sat Cat: 10594. Deployed from NOSS 2. References: 2, 6, 278. 1977 December 9 - Launch Site: Edwards. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. Complete approach and landing flight tests Nation: USA. Program: STS. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Enterprise. Complete approach and landing flight tests, including ferry flights, Enterprise (OV-101) References: 15. 1977 December 10 - 01:18 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Soyuz 26 Nation: USSR. Program: Salyut 6. Payload: Soyuz 7K-T s/n 43. Mass: 6,800 kg (14,900 lb). Class: Manned. Type: Spacecraft. Spacecraft: Soyuz 7K-T. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 205 km (127 mi). Apogee: 235 km (146 mi). Inclination: 51.60 deg. Period: 88.80 min. COSPAR: 1977-113A. USAF Sat Cat: 10506. Duration: 37.42 days. Decay Date: 1978-01-16. Crew: Grechko, Romanenko. Flight: Salyut 6 EO-1. Manned two crew. Docked with Salyut 6. Carried Yuri Romanenko, Georgi Grechko to Salyut 6; returned crew of Soyuz 27 to Earth. Conduct of joint experiments with the Salyut-6 scientific station. References: 2, 6, 32, 33. 1977 December 11 - 06:00 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 200A. LV Configuration: Aerobee 200A NASA 26.60GG. Astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 177 km (109 mi). References: 2. 1977 December 11 - 07:45 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Astrobee. Model: Astrobee F. LV Configuration: Astrobee F NASA 25.17GG. UIT-Prototype F1 Ultraviolet astronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 226 km (140 mi). References: 2. 1977 December 11 - 16:30 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tomahawk Sandia. Model: Nike Tomahawk. LV Configuration: Nike Tomahawk NASA 18.183GA. Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 196 km (121 mi). References: 2. 1977 December 11 - 22:45 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC13. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Atlas. Model: SLV-3A Agena D. LV Configuration: SLV-3A Agena D 5504A / Agena D A 1553. Rhyolite 3 Nation: USA. Payload: AQUACADE 3. Mass: 700 kg (1,540 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Rhyolite. Agency: NRO/CIA. Perigee: 35,679 km (22,169 mi). Apogee: 35,855 km (22,279 mi). Inclination: 0.20 deg. Period: 1,435.10 min. COSPAR: 1977-114A. USAF Sat Cat: 10508. Third launch of Rhyolite geostationary ELINT satellite. Code name changed to Aquacade after Rhyolite name came out in trial of spy Boyce. References: 2, 6, 172, 278. 1977 December 12 - Start modification of Enterprise for ground vibe tests Nation: USA. Program: STS. Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Spacecraft: Enterprise. Start removal for mated vertical ground vibration test modification at Edwards, Enterprise (OV-101) References: 15. 1977 December 12 - Launch Site: El Arenosillo. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Belier. Model: Centaure. LV Configuration: Centaure C-3-2. Ionosphere mission Nation: France. Agency: INTA. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi). References: 2. 1977 December 12 - 09:40 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1 or LC31. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 966 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,000 kg (13,200 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-2M. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 204 km (126 mi). Apogee: 296 km (183 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 89.50 min. COSPAR: 1977-115A. USAF Sat Cat: 10510. Duration: 12.00 days. Decay Date: 1977-12-24. Area survey photo reconnaissance satellite; returned film capsule; separated science capsule. References: 2, 6. Nauka Cosmos 966 Nation: USSR. Payload: Nauka. Spacecraft: Nauka. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 198 km (123 mi). Apogee: 276 km (171 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 89.24 min. COSPAR: 1977-115D. USAF Sat Cat: 10538. Decay Date: 1978-01-07. References: 2, 279. 1977 December 13 - Complete propellant load testing, NSTL (MPTA-098) Nation: USA. Program: STS. References: 15. 1977 December 13 - 05:50 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Aerobee. Model: Aerobee 170. LV Configuration: Aerobee 170 GL A04.602. PRECEDE Active plasma mission Nation: USA. Agency: USAF GL. Apogee: 102 km (63 mi). References: 2. 1977 December 13 - 08:46 GMT - Launch Site: Kiruna. Launch Complex: S. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Skylark. Model: Skylark 7. LV Configuration: Skylark 7 DLR K-GR-90. TEXUS 1 Microgravity mission Nation: Germany. Agency: DFVLR. Apogee: 265 km (164 mi). References: 2. 1977 December 13 - 15:53 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 53716-332. Cosmos 967 Nation: USSR. Payload: DS-P1-M. Mass: 650 kg (1,430 lb). Class: Military. Type: ASAT Target. Spacecraft: DS-P1-M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 961 km (597 mi). Apogee: 1,003 km (623 mi). Inclination: 65.80 deg. Period: 104.70 min. COSPAR: 1977-116A. USAF Sat Cat: 10512. ASAT target for Cosmos 970 interceptor. References: 2, 6, 272. 1977 December 14 - Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. Shuttle SRB Drop test Nation: USA. An unloaded shuttle solid rocket motor is dropped from an NB-52 in a test of the parachute recovery system. References: 44. 1977 December 14 - 05:00 GMT - Launch Site: White Sands. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Hawk. Model: Nike Orion. LV Configuration: Nike Orion NASA 31.03UA. Aeronomy mission Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Apogee: 140 km (80 mi). References: 2. 1977 December 14 - 09:30 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Vostok 8A92M. Meteor 2-03 Nation: USSR. Payload: Meteor-2 no. 3. Mass: 2,750 kg (6,060 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: Meteor-2. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 847 km (526 mi). Apogee: 874 km (543 mi). Inclination: 81.20 deg. Period: 102.20 min. COSPAR: 1977-117A. USAF Sat Cat: 10514. Acquisition of meteorological information needed for use by the weather service. References: 2, 6. 1977 December 15 - 00:47 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC17B. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Delta. Model: Delta 2914. LV Configuration: Delta 2914 624/D137. Sakura Nation: Japan. Program: CS. Payload: CS-1A. Mass: 676 kg (1,490 lb). Class: Communications. Spacecraft: CS-1. Agency: NASDA. Perigee: 36,169 km (22,474 mi). Apogee: 36,176 km (22,478 mi). Inclination: 10.50 deg. Period: 1,455.90 min. COSPAR: 1977-118A. USAF Sat Cat: 10516. Completed Operations Date: 1985-11-19. Medium-capacity Communications Satellite for Experimental Purposes . Launch vehicle Delta 2914-137. Launch time 0047 UT. Geographical longitude on geostationary orbit: 135 deg E. CS is a spin stabilized geostationary communications satellite. Characteris tics of satellite: Weight approx 340 kg at an early stage in orbit, configuration: cylindrical, height 3.48 m, diameter 2.18m, Expected life more than three years. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit over the Pacific Ocean at 135 deg E in 1977-1983 over the Pacific Ocean 150 deg E in 1984-1985 As of 25 August 2001 located at 78.79 deg E drifting at 4.904 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 10 located at 94.72W drifting at 4.901W degrees per day. References: 2, 6. 1977 December 16 - Launch Site: El Arenosillo. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Belier. Model: Centaure. LV Configuration: Centaure C-3-2. Ionosphere mission Nation: France. Agency: INTA. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi). References: 2. 1977 December 16 - 04:25 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 53746-305. Cosmos 968 Nation: USSR. Program: Strela. Mass: 750 kg (1,650 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military Store-dump. Spacecraft: Strela-2M. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 765 km (475 mi). Apogee: 791 km (491 mi). Inclination: 74.00 deg. Period: 100.40 min. COSPAR: 1977-119A. USAF Sat Cat: 10520. References: 2, 6. 1977 December 19 - 21:36 GMT - EVA Salyut 6 EO-1-1 Nation: USSR. Program: Salyut 6. Class: Manned. Type: Space station. Spacecraft: Salyut 6. Crew: Grechko, Romanenko. Flight: Salyut 6 EO-1. EVA Duration: 0.0611 days. Inspected Salyut 6 docking port. References: 66. 1977 December 20 - 15:50 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 969 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-4MKM. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 180 km (110 mi). Apogee: 317 km (196 mi). Inclination: 62.80 deg. Period: 89.50 min. COSPAR: 1977-120A. USAF Sat Cat: 10527. Duration: 14.00 days. Decay Date: 1978-01-03. High resolution photo reconnaissance satellite; returned film capsule; maneuverable. References: 2, 6. 1977 December 21 - 10:35 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC90/19. Launch Pad: LC90/pad?. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-2. Cosmos 970 Nation: USSR. Mass: 1,400 kg (3,000 lb). Class: Military. Type: ASAT. Spacecraft: IS-A. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 936 km (581 mi). Apogee: 1,138 km (707 mi). Inclination: 65.90 deg. Period: 105.90 min. COSPAR: 1977-121A. USAF Sat Cat: 10531. Decay Date: 1977-12-21. ASAT interceptor. Intercepted Cosmos 970 target. Ordered to self-destruct following interception. References: 2, 6, 272. 1977 December 23 - 16:24 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC132/1. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Kosmos 3. Model: Kosmos 11K65M. LV Configuration: Kosmos 11K65M 53716-322. Cosmos 971 Nation: USSR. Mass: 810 kg (1,780 lb). Class: Navigation. Spacecraft: Parus. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 975 km (605 mi). Apogee: 1,004 km (623 mi). Inclination: 82.90 deg. Period: 104.90 min. COSPAR: 1977-122A. USAF Sat Cat: 10536. Military navigation satellite. References: 2, 6. 1977 December 27 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC140/18. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-36M. Joint flight trials launch Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1977 December 27 - 08:00 GMT - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC32/2. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: Tsiklon. Model: Tsiklon-3. FAILURE: Probable failure of launch vehicle stage to reach proper orbit. Cosmos 972 Nation: USSR. Program: Tselina. Payload: Tselina-D Mass model. Mass: 5,000 kg (11,000 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Tselina-D. Agency: MO SSSR. Perigee: 712 km (442 mi). Apogee: 1,157 km (718 mi). Inclination: 75.80 deg. Period: 103.70 min. COSPAR: 1977-123A. USAF Sat Cat: 10539. Launch vehicle test. Dummy payload. Probable failure of launch vehicle stage to reach proper orbit. Investigation of the upper atmosphere and outer space. References: 2, 6. 1977 December 27 - 09:20 GMT - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Pad: LC1 or LC31. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Model: Soyuz 11A511U. Cosmos 973 Nation: USSR. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Zenit-2M. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 203 km (126 mi). Apogee: 325 km (201 mi). Inclination: 71.50 deg. Period: 89.80 min. COSPAR: 1977-124A. USAF Sat Cat: 10540. Duration: 13.00 days. Decay Date: 1978-01-09. Area survey photo reconnaissance satellite; returned film capsule; separated science capsule. References: 2, 6. Nauka Cosmos 973 Nation: USSR. Payload: Nauka. Spacecraft: Nauka. Agency: MOM. Perigee: 198 km (123 mi). Apogee: 312 km (193 mi). Inclination: 71.40 deg. Period: 89.61 min. COSPAR: 1977-124D. USAF Sat Cat: 10558. Decay Date: 1978-01-25. References: 2, 279. 1977 December 29 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Vandenberg AFB brush fire consumed 9,040 acres Nation: USA. South Vandenberg AFB brush fire consumed 9,040 acres and claimed the lives of the base commander, both fire chiefs, and a civilian bulldozer operator. References: 88. 1977 December 29 - Recovery of ALHA 77005 Meteorite From The Antarctic (Mars Meteorite) Nation: USA. 1977 December 29 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC177. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: MR-UR-100. Model: MR-UR-100U 15A16. Joint flight trials launch Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1977 December 30 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC109. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: R-36M. Missile accuracy test launch Nation: USSR. Agency: RVSN. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). References: 2. 1977 December 31 - Deliver SSME envelope/electrical simulators Nation: USA. Program: STS. Deliver SSME envelope/electrical simulators on dock, Palmdale, Columbia (OV-102) References: 15. Previous Home Next Contact us with any corrections, additions, or comments. Conditions for use of drawings, pictures, or other materials from this site.. To contact astronauts or cosmonauts. © Mark Wade, 1997 - 2008 except where otherwise noted.